The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1887-05-27
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A VISIT TO HARTFORD.
"Reminiscences of Twenty Years Ago i'm
the Second District.

CLAYMoST, DEL, May 10th, 1887.
About ten days ago took train at this place
that was to bear me back to Hartford, to the spot
where / first saw the light. From Pcrryyille the
train coon landed me in Port Deposit, and the
little steamer "Benigna" bore me to Lapidum.
Lapidum has changed but little in my knowledge
OF the place, people have come and gone, but the
place is much the same, To be sure the genial
face OF Cooney Baker did not greet the traveller,
but that of John Craig did, and at the old Cooncy
Baker stand, too. Some 80 fish wagons were
near the ferry, buying their stock for lower York
county and northern Hartford.
Being local option town, the conspicuous
sign Bar ROOM seemed out of place, but there
1t was. 1t might be well to remark, just here,
that to an outsider the Local Option Law of
Hartford IS a complete failure. Until every citi-
zen is educated up to point where he will re-
port known violation of the law, a county or
town is not ready for local option. There is no
Intelligent man who ever keeps one eye open but
knows the truth of this statement. speak from
taken my first drink" and would to God that
the rum, traffic might be wiped from the face of
the earth.
Going up past Rock Run found it but little
changed. 1t has been long time since enjoyed
any thing so much as the drive from Rock Run
out to Level The gentle murmur of Rock Run
branch lisps liquid melody as 1t purls gently
along, seeking its wonderful nome in the Sus-
quchanna.. Birds were. singing in the trees,
many of which were in blossom, and away down
the banks violets and other beautiful flowers
were blooming in all their spring-time glory.
The green fields stretched out in every direction,
and by and by, recognized the farm lands
OF the late Col VIM ID. Stephenson, now occupied
by Mr.: VIM. b. Hopkins. Further on Rock Run
Church looked much the same as years ago. The
snowy tombs seemed to vie with the blossoms In
whiteness, and there were many fresh-made
graves trophies of that mighty warrior who
knows no defeat-"Death."
On the hill the store of Mr.. Thomas Mather is
beautifully situated. This store was kept years
ago by Thomas Robinson, now of Texas. For
many years Mr.. Mather has had IL, and being an
old friend, was heartily glad TO hear of his
prosperity.
Passing on we came to small sassafras tree.
This Is remembered as the spot where a certain
lad smoked his first cigar. That certain lad won't
soon forget IT..
On the hill stands the Spencer property, now
occupied and owned by your very worthy COM
missioner, Robt j. Walker One of the grandest
views to be had from any point in Hartford is
from this spot. Northern Hartford and lower
York counties are plainly seen, with all the in
tervenng country, Dublin, Darlington, and the
most beautiful country in 80 States, "the undula-
ting farms of Deer Creek"
Passing on are the cosy residences of Messrs.
Geo Bailey, John II. Spencer and John T. Bald
win. The latter-named gentlemau's place was
formerly that Of Mr.. Silas Spencer, now of near
Bel Air.
Next we come to tho late residence of Mr..
George Hopkins. The widow and family still
reside there. Mr.. Hopkins having died a few
years ago. lie was good Christian man, and
The next place on our route is the old Hope
well camp ground. This place Is widely known
throughout the county for the number and size
of its camp meetings, years ago. The grove is
still beautiful, and IL is wonder that camp
meetings are not still held there. On this spot
have often listened to the gospel message as
1t fell from the lips OF elOquence, and resounded
all over the woods and through the tree tops up
ward to an overwhelming and merciful Father.
The last sermon now remembered was that of
Rev. DIR. Guard, of Baltimore, one of the ablest
ministers in the NJ. Il. Conference. He died
several years ago.
Passing Baldwln's Corner We arrive at Level
%. And here my subject reaches out in every
direction, so that will close and give you Level
ana vicinity In another letter. OSCEOLA.